Google on Monday started rolling out Android 6.0 Marshmallow to Nexus devices. That includes the Nexus 5, 6, 7, 9, and Nexus Player.

Previewed at Google I/O and officially announced in August, Android 6.0 "is the sweetest, smartest Android version yet," Google Vice President of Android Product Management Brian Rakowski wrote in a blog post. The new mobile OS includes a feature called Now on Tap as well as battery life improvements, more privacy and security controls, and easier device setup.

Exclusive to Marshmallow, Now on Tap "stays on task alongside you, instantly pulling up relevant info and helping you get more done," Rakowski wrote. Say, for instance, you receive an email from a friend asking if you want to go to the zoo. Just tap and hold the home button, and Now on Tap will offer up links to relevant information about the zoo, shortcuts to relevant apps, and can even create a calendar event for you.

Google also added two new features — Doze and App Standby — which "dramatically decrease your device's thirst for power," Rakowski wrote. Doze recognizes when your device is idle and automatically goes into a deep sleep state to conserve power while App Standby puts seldom-used apps into a "reduced activity state."

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On the privacy front, there's a new app permissions model, which lets you pick and choose which permissions to grant apps and disable any permission for any app, at any time. You can also now use your fingerprint to unlock your device, authorize transactions in the Google Play Store, sign into apps, and checkout with Android Pay on devices with a fingerprint sensor.

Marshmallow will also help you set up a new Android TV or tablet. Just say "OK Google, set up my device from your phone," and Android will migrate your apps, app data, and transfer over Wi-Fi passwords.

The new mobile OS will, of course, also come pre-loaded on the Nexus 6P and 5X, which are available for pre-order now via the Google Store, and will ship in late October. For more, check out Google's Marshmallow page.

About the Author

Angela has been a PCMag reporter since January 2012. Prior to joining the team, she worked as a reporter for SC Magazine, covering everything related to hackers and computer security. Angela has also written for The Northern Valley Suburbanite in New Jersey, The Dominion Post in West Virginia, and the Uniontown-Herald Standard in Pennsylvania. She ... See Full Bio

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